From what I understand, it just says that Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, so Yahweh will bless the ones who destroy Babylon (specifically the ones who throw babies at rocks). Typical revenge from a vengeful god. Out of context, it suggests that one kill her own baby against a rock. In context, it's about killing Babylonian babies against rocks.

This is a prophecy about the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persians. It is stating that the Persians will be cruel and ruthless like Babylon was to Israel. It is not condoning anything; it is simply stating what is going to happen. God did not cause the Persians to be cruel; man does that all on his own.

You should read it again; it is a prophecy of what man is going to do, all on his own. Maybe you don’t understand what prophecy means. God does not cause evil He allows it to happen because man deserves what he gets. Why do you choose to blame all of the evil deeds of man on a Holy God?

Critical thinking and searching for the truth should go hand in hand with atheism. It is what intelligent people should strive for and stand for.

Posting this single extract on /r/atheism so that it is read out of context to imply that the tract is directed at the reader is not in the spirit of critical thinking. OP is either naive or malicious and this post does nothing to promote the atheist view. It in fact represents the very characteristic atheists abhor in religious oriented people. That is to say; they pick and choose text and statements so as to reinforce (rather than challenge) their own belief and agenda. Effectively they do this to strengthen their own belief as well as to convince others that their belief is valid.

In reality, the tract is meant to be the commentary and recollection of one of the Jews who were taken prisoner by the Babylonians. The Psalmist is recalling when they were in exile and held hostage in Babylon and the exiled Jews would meet together on the River bank to discuss and talk. They were not allowed to practice their religion (Sing the Lords song) but they talked of how they wished that they could destroy Babylon the way the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem. Also, back when this Psalm was written it would have been completely acceptable to wish to or dream of killing your enemies children.

Not my morality. I wouldnt want a doctor to operate on me based on a medical scroll published 2000 years ago, but I would enjoy and educate myself by reading it. I dont have an issue with the bible, only with people who think I should believe everything it says. Its still an interesting book to read. Just don't base your life and beliefs on it.